Brooklyn Bridge Reviews (Brooklyn, New York)

Brooklyn Bridge - A must if you visit NYC!

San Jose, San Jose, Costa Rica

June 21, 2012

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Even though I didnt have the chance to cross the bridge by foot, loved the views from Brooklyn Bridge Park. Recommend to have lunch close to DUMBO too, great local restaurants and lovely coffee shops.

Brooklyn Bridge - Great views!

by Rosario Concha

Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile

November 21, 2011

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If you have the time, I do recommend that you cross the bridge by foot or bicycle (you can rent bicycles at the foot of the bridge for an hour or so, you don't really need more than that...), it has the best views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn!I ...Read more

From journal Trip to New York City

One of the best free attractions in NYC

by whowhatwhere

Somerset County, New Jersey

November 9, 2011

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Lovely trip from Manhattan to Brooklyn or vice versa. Stop to admire the other bridges and the lovely views over the river.

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge

by Gemma_C

Sunderland, United Kingdom

January 6, 2011

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Best of IgoUgo Before I went to New York, a visit to the famous Brooklyn Bridge was already planned in my itinerary. Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan and is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. I read ...Read more Before I went to New York, a visit to the famous Brooklyn Bridge was already planned in my itinerary. Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan and is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. I read about the history of the bridge in my guide books, and it certainly has an interesting past. Building it caused problems, such as the well known fact of the workers who suffered from Compression Sickness from working in the caissons, and an week after it opened, a rumour that the bridge was going to collapse caused a huge stampede in which at least 12 people died.

I was eager to visit the bridge and walk across it, enjoying the views of Manhattan from the bridge. After much careful research online, I decided I would enjoy it most walking across from Brooklyn to Manhattan so I could see the famous skyline, and I would do this as the sun was setting because I love the image of a big city lit up at night. I had already been to Top of the Rock as the sun was setting, and I knew about what time the sun would set so I had this carefully planned. If you are wanting to visit the Brooklyn Bridge and walk across it, then there is a brilliant guide someone has written on TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k866178-The_Idiot_s_Guide_to_Brooklyn_Brooklyn_Directions_Collected-New_York_City_New_York.html) which explains how to get there on the subway, and how to get onto the walkway. The walkway is on an upper level above the road which has 6 lanes, so it's quite safe, as the traffic for Brooklyn Bridge is very busy.

Following the Tripadvisor guide, we got the A train down town to High St station. We actually went early evening, and went to Grimaldi's for pizza, then down to Fulton Landing where I was also tempted by the Brooklyn Ice Cream factory. From here you get a great view of the bridge from almost underneath it, as well as Manhattan. It was a lovely sunny October day with people lying around taking in the scenery, and lots of wedding parties came for photos with the famous bridge and skyline behind them. I highly recommend going here first for the view of the bridge before you walk across it!

As the sun was starting to set, we used the instructions to find our way to the walkway. Once we were up there, we sat on a bench near the start, watching the sun starting to go down and the lights in Manhattan and the bridge started to come on. It was also where you can watch tourists completely ignoring the bike lane and either walking along it oblivious, or posing for photos. The bike lane however is a busy place, and the frustrated New Yorkers all have bells on their bike and they ride along ringing them and screaming at people to get out of the clearly marked bike lane. People continued to be oblivious, and to watch it was frustrating and amusing at the same time, as there is plenty of path for pedestrians but people were rather ignorant of this.

As previously mentioned the walkway is above the road, and you can hear the busy traffic underneath, blaring their horns in typical impatient New York style, however you can almost drown it out after a while, as the views from the walkway are fantastic. As we walked across the bridge, I stopped for photos at certain points, and one of the best views was the Statue of Liberty in the distance, with a brilliant red/orange sunset behind it. It's one view I will never forget! In front of us was the Manhattan skyscrapers, getting closer as we slowly walked our way back to Manhattan. The cables of the bridge reach up rather web like on either side of you, however on 2 parts of the bridge the walkway really opens out into a large space where people gather at certain points for the best views of the Statue of Liberty or the skyline. Despite it being night time, the bridge was busy with people walking across it in both directions (though most were doing the Brooklyn to Manhattan walk), however it never felt too crowded or busy and it really was a pleasant evening.

I highly recommend the Brooklyn Bridge as a must whilst in New York. Make a nice evening of it, get something to eat in Brooklyn and go down to Fulton Landing before walking back across to Manhattan and enjoy those views and of course, the bridge itself. I highly recommend this detailed guide for directions, which made it so easy once we were there: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k866178-The_Idiot_s_Guide_to_Brooklyn_Brooklyn_Directions_Collected-New_York_City_New_York.html Close

From journal My first visit to the 'big apple.'

Crossing Between Two Cities

by Liam Hetherington

Manchester, United Kingdom

November 12, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo New Yorkers are inordinately proud of Brooklyn Bridge. It was completed in 1883 to connect the then neighbouring cities of New York and Brooklyn (Brooklyn was not swallowed up by New York until 1898). This was the first connection between the two ...Read more New Yorkers are inordinately proud of Brooklyn Bridge. It was completed in 1883 to connect the then neighbouring cities of New York and Brooklyn (Brooklyn was not swallowed up by New York until 1898). This was the first connection between the two other than by boat. At a stroke it transformed the area – for the first time commuting between the two cities became possible. Communities in the Lower East Side packed up almost overnight and moved out to the wider spaces and clearer air of Brooklyn, to be replaced by the next wave of immigrants. For the next twenty years it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. I’m not quite sure its fame has particularly spread outside America but its towers are certainly an adornment to the New York city skyline.

Rebecca and I had a dinner date in Brooklyn. Rather than get a subway or a cab there I decided that we should take the opportunity to cross the East River on foot via the Brooklyn Bridge. In hindsight this was probably a mistake. The bridge is fairly long, almost 2km in total, though the central span over the river is only a quarter of that. The July temperature in New York was breaking records (still 98°F at 8 o’clock in the evening). And we were dressed for dinner – dress and heels for Rebecca, suit and jacket for me. By the time we reached the restaurant I was soaked with sweat!

We left the subway at the Brooklyn Bridge – City Hall station and headed east up the approach ramps. The pedestrian way separated from the road and soon we were walking on a wooden boardwalk suspended above the vehicle traffic. Cars rumbled below us, visible through cracks between the slats, while cyclists zipped past us. We progressed out into New York’s rarest commodity – space. Out over the river the distance from the buildings on either shore allowed us to gain one of our first moments of perspective. As darkness fell the lights twinkled behind and before us. The suspension cables formed a web-like mesh around us. It was all quite impressive.

I’d recommend a trip across the Brooklyn Bridge ; I am just sorry I didn’t have time on my first trip to new York to spend more time exploring Brooklyn itself. But I would advise you to prepare for the weather conditions – whether they be rain, wind or heatwaves!
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From journal Welcome to New York

A fantastic bridge with great views of New York

by alanmack37

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

October 10, 2010

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I would describe the Brooklyn Bridge as the premier New York attraction and whats more its free to walk across and to see, so you cant really have any excuses its the ultimate thing to see when youre on a budget.This bridge was constructed in 1883. ...Read more I would describe the Brooklyn Bridge as the premier New York attraction and whats more its free to walk across and to see, so you cant really have any excuses its the ultimate thing to see when youre on a budget.

This bridge was constructed in 1883. It was designed by the famous Roebling family and was the first steel wire suspension bridge to be designed and also the longest suspension bridge until 1903. This bridge was built because it was a direct link between Manhattan and Brooklyn. The bridge is majestic and historic, having featured in many great movies you will be missing out if you dont see this in New York.

I would recommend first getting to the bridge by using New York's fabulous subway system. Dont be put off by things you see in the movies about the subway involving gangs and vandalism, subway stations are nowadays well patrolled by police and security and is a relatively safe way to travel. Subways also have CCTV cameras and panic buttons installed in areas off the beaten track. Also the subway is cheap and economical and you will be able to travel around several attractions a lot quicker than a rich celebrity as you will be avoiding the traffic. A one day fun pass costs $8.25 and if youre staying in New York for more than 3 days buy a week pass at $27, you will save money this way. For the Brooklyn Bridge station several of the metro lines stop here which include 4,5,6, M or Z trains, among others.

When walking across the Brooklyn Bridge you get a great view of Manhattan, Brooklyn and lower NY Harbor including the Statue of Liberty. It is a historic and breathtaking view like being on top of a mountain Be aware on nice days it can get quite crowded with bikers, walkers and skateboarders, but hey if you want the real New York experience youre going to want to mingle with other people.

I cannot describe any words to think of to describe the experience when walking along the bridge and looking down at the Hudson and hearing the cars whizz past and the thundering of the underground trains. Please take some water with you because the walk is about 40 minutes and on a hot day you will be in need of a drink.

There are many fast food eateries or pizza slices at Brooklyn station. I would recommend eating in Brooklyn if you want something to eat because the food is a lot cheaper than in downtown Manhattan. I tend to eat a large pizza slice in New York because it tastes divine and is relatively cheap for lunch costing around $2.

Most of the subway stations have escalators or steps leading to the pedestrian pathway. Once on the bridge just follow the planked path that will lead to your journey at the other end. It is fantastic to look at Manhattan and its Skyscrapers at the other end. Once in Manhattan use the many subway stations to get back to your destination. A really cheap day out and an unbelievable experience. Dont forget your camera of course. I thoroughly recommend this. Close

From journal New York on a budget

Walking Across New York's Most Famous Bridge

by airynfaerie

St. Augustine, Florida

October 30, 2009

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Best of IgoUgo Once the longest suspension bridge in the world, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in New York City. This beautiful structure sits proudly over the harbor on the south end of Manhattan, and gives drivers, cyclists, and ...Read more Once the longest suspension bridge in the world, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in New York City. This beautiful structure sits proudly over the harbor on the south end of Manhattan, and gives drivers, cyclists, and
pedestrians one of the best views over the city's skyline.

After visiting the Big Apple several times before and never visiting the bridge, on my last trip I finally made sure to not to miss it! Now that I've walked it, I can highly recommend this to any visitor to NYC for an experience full of history, great views, and no admission fee!

Building began in 1870 and lasted 13 years after being designed by engineer John Roebling and completed by his son, Washington. The NeoGothic style is evident in the towering stone bases and careful arrangement of steel cables. Somehow looking at the harbor and city skyline through the woven layers of cables gives your point of view an interesting frame. Photographers galore can be found along the walkway, and if you want to brush up on some fun facts, be sure to read the information plaques in the enclaves under each tower.

The pedestrian walkway made of wooden planks runs above the street with vehicles below. Be sure to yield to bicyclists who also share the pathway, as the pedestrians are supposed to stick to the south side of the path. If you don't want to walk both ways, I'd recommend starting on the Brooklyn side and walking towards Manhattan for the best views (although be sure to take a look at the industrial buildings behind you in Brooklyn with some awesome old marque signs.

If you just want a good look at the bridge without taking the walk high above the water, then meander down to Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport just south of the bridge in Manhattan. Here there is a lovely promenade and cafes where many people take advantage of a great photo op with the iconic bridge in the background.

• 1071 Fifth Avenue (at 89th St)
• Pedestrian Manhanttan entrance: end of Centre Street; Brooklyn entrance: staircase on Prospect St between Cadman Plaza East and West
• Metro stop: Brooklyn Bridge / City Hall on trains 4, 5, 6
• Free admission
• Open 24hrs/day Close

From journal Favorite Free Attractions in the Big Apple

Brooklyn Bridge

by Joy S

Manchester, England, United Kingdom

January 1, 2008

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Best of IgoUgo Manhattan is an island connected by lots of bridges, but the Brooklyn Bridge is in a class all of its own. It really is a New York icon and I always wanted to walk across it.When Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883 after 14 years of construction, it was ...Read more

From journal A Week in New York

Brooklyn Bridge

by ripplefan2

Queens, New York

July 3, 2007

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Best of IgoUgo As you approach the bridge from Brooklyn Heights side, head down Henry Street and you will see an underpass with cars heading through and people walking by. Head that way and swing a right at the first street and you will see a set of stairs leading ...Read more

From journal Two Boroughs in One Day!

Brooklyn Bridge

by Clem75

New York, New York

August 21, 2006

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On August 20, 2006, I went with my son and a friend of mine for a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, from Manhattan to Brooklyn, and it was well worth the time spent. It was not only great exercise, but the views were out of this world! It took us ...Read more

From journal Walking Tours of New York City

IgoUgo

Brooklyn Bridge

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